Periods of religious zealotry and an unsettled professional career were intertwined for years before he was accused of murder.

A Minnesota man plans to plead not guilty to charges he killed the top Democratic leader in the state House and her husband​ after wounding another lawmaker and his wife​, his attorney said.

Acting U.S. Attorney Joseph H. Thompson said the indictment includes a "notice of special findings," which he says is the first step in seeking the death penalty.